Carkeek Park
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Carkeek Park

4.7
·4k reviews·Seattle, United States

A 220-acre Seattle park with forests, wetlands, beaches, and stunning Puget Sound & Olympic Mountain views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
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Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 220-acre Seattle park with forests, wetlands, beaches, and stunning Puget Sound & Olympic Mountain views.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"A hidden gem offering breathtaking views, lush trails, and unique train watching opportunities."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended

Some trails can get wet from creek overflow, especially in certain seasons. Waterproof shoes are a good idea .

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path

The Piper's Creek Trail has many offshoots for a more adventurous hike .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puget Sound Beach

Puget Sound Beach

South end of the park

Stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, with train watching opportunities.

Piper's Creek Trail

Piper's Creek Trail

Forest and wetland areas

A peaceful, well-maintained trail with offshoots, leading through woods to the beach.

Train Watching Bridge

Train Watching Bridge

Over the railroad tracks

Unique vantage point to watch trains pass with the Puget Sound as a backdrop.

Historic Orchard

Historic Orchard

Central park area

Seattle's oldest orchard, offering a glimpse into the region's history.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors: What to Pack

Carkeek Park offers diverse terrains, from forest trails to beaches. Pack waterproof shoes, especially during wetter seasons, as creek overflow can occur.Reddit Layers are recommended for unpredictable Seattle weather. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray for sunny days.

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during low tide for potential beach walks between Carkeek and Golden Gardens.Reddit Sunset views are particularly stunning here.Instagram Weekdays generally offer fewer crowds than weekends.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Low tide periods
Why
Beach walk potential
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Spectacular views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

forget pike place this is how locals live!! how lucky we are to live somewhere as beautiful as seattle 🤍💌 this is one of my favorite beach parks - carkeek park #seattle #travel #seattletiktok #seattlethingstodo #seattlewashington #whattodo #seattlewa #seattlecheck #seattleparks #nature #fyp #fypage #fypシ゚viral #fyppp
@sonelgi
4K likes • 63.4K views

👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended

Some trails can get wet from creek overflow, especially in certain seasons. Waterproof shoes are a good idea.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path

The Piper's Creek Trail has many offshoots for a more adventurous hike.Reddit

📍Carkeek Park: Forest trails, Puget Sound views, and sunset magic 🥾 Carkeek Park Loop 🥾 Distance: ~3.6 mi Elevation Gain: ~557 ft Time: ~1.5–2 hours Difficulty: Moderate #seattletiktok #seattlehikes #hiketok #seattletok #pnwlife #seattleviews
@outsiidetee
4K likes • 38.3K views
𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 — 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 🐟✨ 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨, 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 22 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮𝙨. 📍 𝘼𝙪𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 Covington Creek off 168th Way SE Flaming Geyser State Park Soos Creek Salmon Hatchery Whitney Bridge Park 🐟 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙙 Ballard Locks 🐟 𝘽𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 North Creek Trail Park 🐟 𝙂𝙞𝙜 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙧 Mi...
see.you.in.seattle
2.8K likes • 122K views

🚂 Catch a Train

The pedestrian bridge offers a unique spot to watch trains with a scenic view.Instagram+1

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Designated picnic areas and open fields make it ideal for a relaxing meal.TikTok

📍Carkeek Park 🥾 6+ miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and Piper’s Creek 🏖️ Beach access to Puget Sound with views of the Olympic Mountains 🚂 Train-watching from the pedestrian bridge over the tracks ✅Follow @outsiidetee for more hikes & adventures #seattlethingstodo #seattleparks #seattlefun #pnwadventures #carkeekpark #getoutside
outsiidetee
28 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended

Some trails can get wet from creek overflow, especially in certain seasons. Waterproof shoes are a good idea.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path

The Piper's Creek Trail has many offshoots for a more adventurous hike.Reddit

🚂 Catch a Train

The pedestrian bridge offers a unique spot to watch trains with a scenic view.Instagram+1

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Designated picnic areas and open fields make it ideal for a relaxing meal.TikTok

🌊 Beachcombing & Views

Enjoy the beach, tidepools, and breathtaking views of the Olympics.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Carkeek Park is widely praised as a hidden gem offering stunning Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views, diverse trails, and unique features like train watching. Visitors appreciate its blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. Some minor trail dampness can occur seasonally.

"🚶🏽‍♀️‍➡️Nice and easy walking trail (Piper's Creek Trail) with plenty of offshoots to make your adventure feel like more of a hike if you'd like. It's beautiful and peaceful, and I loved that there's an orchard in the middle. I love these types of trails where you can walk through a beautiful wooded area and end up at a beach.

🅿️🚗There's also plenty of parking if you drive past the visitor's center and into the park.

🥾🌊Special note that this time of year, some parts of the trail have some overflow from the creek so bring waterproof shoes."

shortcake SS

"Many things to do: enjoying the grassy areas, enjoying the beach, hiking through the wetlands.
Some of the most spectacular views one can find in the Northwest of the Puget sound with the Olympics in the background!"

leo jaeger

"One of many parks throughout Seattle. This park is on the north end of town along the sound. It’s a beautiful park with several miles of walking trails, picnic areas, sitting benches and the beach."

Kim Brownlee Personal Trainer

What People Like

Spectacular mountain and sound views
Diverse hiking trails
Unique train watching spot

What People Dislike

Seasonal trail dampness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Carkeek Park is located in north Seattle. Driving is the most common way to access it, with ample parking available, especially if you drive past the visitor's center.Reddit Public transportation options are also available, though may require transfers. Check King County Metro for routes and schedules.

Yes, Carkeek Park offers plenty of parking. Visitors have noted that driving further into the park past the visitor's center often yields more available spots.Reddit

During specific low tide periods, it's possible to walk along the shore between Golden Gardens and Carkeek Park. This is more feasible during minus tides or when the tide is around 1.5 feet.Reddit

Carkeek Park is accessible via various routes depending on your starting point in Seattle. It's generally located off NW 100th Street. Using a GPS navigation app is recommended for the most direct route.

While direct routes might be limited, Carkeek Park can be reached using Seattle's public transportation system. It's advisable to check the King County Metro website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules that serve the park's vicinity.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Carkeek Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access. Enjoying the trails, beaches, and picnic areas is free.

Carkeek Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's always a good idea to check the official Seattle Parks and Recreation website for the most current information.

No, tickets are not required for entry into Carkeek Park. It's a public space accessible to all visitors.

For general park use, no special permits are typically needed. However, if you plan to host a large event or use specific facilities for commercial purposes, you may need to contact Seattle Parks and Recreation for permit information.

Yes, Carkeek Park is usually open on holidays, operating under its standard dawn-to-dusk hours. It can be a great place to enjoy some outdoor time during holiday breaks.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Piper's Creek Trail is a popular choice, offering a moderate hike through forests and wetlands.TikTokReddit Many offshoot trails allow for longer or shorter adventures. The park also features trails leading directly to the beach.

Absolutely! Carkeek Park has numerous picnic areas and open fields, making it a perfect spot for gatherings or a relaxing meal outdoors.TikTokReddit

You might spot beavers, ducks, and potentially seals or orcas in the Puget Sound. The park also hosts seasonal salmon runs in Piper's Creek.Reddit

Yes, Carkeek Park features a playground that is a hit with children, including an interactive play area and a Salmon Slide.Reddit

The park offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, especially from the beach and the train watching bridge.InstagramReddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The beach at sunset offers incredible opportunities with the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop.Instagram+1 The train bridge provides a unique perspective, and the forest trails offer lush greenery.

Yes, Carkeek Park is renowned for its stunning sunset views over the Puget Sound, making it a prime location for photographers.Instagram

Carkeek Park is ideal for landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The combination of water, mountains, forests, and trains offers diverse subjects.

Definitely! The pedestrian bridge over the train tracks provides a fantastic and safe vantage point for photographing trains with the Puget Sound in the background.Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check with Seattle Parks and Recreation if you have specific commercial photography plans.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Carkeek Park is a gem for families! The playground is a major hit, offering plenty of space for kids to burn energy.Reddit The Salmon Slide and interactive play area are particularly engaging. Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many designated areas or open fields.TikTokReddit The seasonal salmon runs and the historic orchard offer fun educational moments, making it more than just a day at the park.

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who love to explore, Carkeek Park offers miles of well-maintained trails through diverse landscapes.TikTokInstagram The Piper's Creek Trail is a must-do, winding through forests and wetlands. Don't forget waterproof shoes as some areas can be damp.Reddit The combination of forest, beach, and Puget Sound views provides a rich natural experience.

📸 Photographers

Carkeek Park is a photographer's dream, especially for sunset shots over the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.Instagram The train watching bridge offers a unique perspective, capturing trains against a scenic backdrop.Instagram+1 Landscape and nature photographers will find plenty of inspiration in the forests, wetlands, and beach areas.

🐶 Dog Owners

Dogs are welcome at Carkeek Park and can be a great companion for exploring the trails and beach. Remember to keep your dog on a leash in designated areas and always clean up after them. The open spaces and trails provide ample room for dogs to enjoy the outdoors.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Carkeek Park's Trails

Carkeek Park boasts a network of well-maintained trails that cater to various fitness levels. The Piper's Creek Trail is a highlight, guiding visitors through serene forests, wetlands, and eventually leading to the park's expansive beach.Reddit Many visitors enjoy the flexibility of numerous offshoot trails, allowing them to customize their hike and discover hidden nooks within the park's 220 acres.TikTokInstagram

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the trails offer some elevation gain, providing a good workout amidst nature. The blend of wooded paths and open meadows creates a dynamic hiking environment. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections can be damp, especially after rain or near the creek.Reddit

The Allure of Carkeek Park's Beach and Views

The Puget Sound beach at Carkeek Park is a major draw, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.Instagram+1 It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, beachcombing, or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery. One of the unique attractions here is the pedestrian bridge over the train tracks, providing an excellent vantage point to watch trains pass by with the water and mountains as a stunning backdrop.Instagram+1

This combination of natural beauty and industrial elements creates a unique photographic opportunity. Visitors often rave about the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky over the water, making it a favorite spot for evening visits.Instagram During low tide, there's even a possibility of walking along the shore to connect with Golden Gardens Park.Reddit

Family Fun and Nature at Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park is a fantastic destination for families, offering a mix of recreational activities and educational opportunities. The park features a popular playground, including an interactive play area and the unique Salmon Slide, which kids absolutely love.Reddit The expansive picnic areas and open fields provide ample space for children to run and play freely.Reddit

Beyond the playground, the park's natural elements provide engaging experiences for younger visitors. The seasonal salmon runs in Piper's Creek and the fish integration system offer a chance to learn about local wildlife.Reddit Exploring the trails and discovering the historic orchard, planted by early European settlers, adds an educational layer to the visit.Reddit

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